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Gretsch RB head question

Posts: 357 Threads: 62

I recently purchased a vintage kit and need to know what modern heads will fit this kit. It has a 22" kick, round badge. I saw the Aquarian vintage heads but I would like to put coated or clear white heads on the kick and the toms. I don't wanna cut the sparkle wrap down to accommodate modern heads. Any ideas would be appreciated. 22/16/13 are the sizes. Tom is a 50's with stick chopper hoops 3ply. The floor tom and bass drum are 6 ply. I tried a ps3 clear for the batter on the kick and it didn't fit right. This set is not pristine and I intend to use it as a player kit. The finish is silver sparkle turned ginger ale sparkle.

Sean

Gretsch Nitron Glass New Classic 2010 8/10/12/14/16/22
Yamaha Cherry Wood Recording Custom 1987/2005 8/10/12/13/14/16/22
Ludwig Black Diamond Pearl 1966 5x14 S.S./13/16/22
Gretsch wood finish 1959 5x14/13/16/22
Slingerland Radio King Capri Pearl 5x14 Radio King
Gretsch Silver Sparkle Catalina Club Bop 2008 18/14/12/10/5x14
Gretsch Silver Sparkle/Black Stripe Catalina Club Mod kit 22/10/12/16
Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Sean 2 ply heads usually don't fit Gretsch shells very well. you'll need to go old school and use either a coated or clear ambassador with felt strips to get the tone you want to get.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 776 Threads: 114

It's a good chance that the Aquarian American Vintage heads will be the only ones that will fit. I've found Attack heads are slightly larger than Remo or Evans but may not be large enough. So it goes when trying to achieve that great Gretsch sound.

Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 510 Threads: 42

2 approaches- #1-crack the collar on the head. I just did this one to the reso on my SSB. Used a hack saw blade to score it slightly on the seam. Bent it a couple of times 'till it went. Fit easily afterwards.

#2- cut the overlap on the wrap back. On the edge of the seam, there's a inch or so overlap. Cut that back, and it's been enough tp allow me to fit Ambo's on my RB....

I prefer #1. Works well, no mods to the drums........

Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 298 Threads: 39

I have 4 RB kits and American Vintage Aquarians are still snug

no need to cut collars or cut wraps....I definitely do not recommend doing either of these

Evans Level 360 collar fits every one of my RB kits ....all of which have wraps

they are slightly more snug on the sparkle kit but not as snug as Ambassadors or American Vintage

the 360 collar really opens up the drum ....just beautiful

Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 510 Threads: 42

I've heard good things about those heads. I'll have to give them a try. Did you try their bass drum heads, also? That's my tough one...........

Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 298 Threads: 39

From crash

I've heard good things about those heads. I'll have to give them a try. Did you try their bass drum heads, also? That's my tough one...........

yeah ....they work great on my drums which are all mid '60s kits

the champagne sparkle is still a little snug but not nearly as bad as it is with Remo or Aquarian

on the other kits toms with wraps the heads actually spin

Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Posts: 162 Threads: 25

I love the sound of the old Round Badge drums, but the over-sized shell issue drives me nuts! I even had Jack Lawton remove 1/2" of wrap on both ends of all my drums and Remo heads STILL need to be pried off on my 12" tom! Yes, the Evans Level 360 heads are the way to go! Now, I wish Remo would come out with a similar collar...

[IMG]http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg510/irahawaii/Gretsch%20Round%20Badge%20Restoration%20Project%202011/DSC05929.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 11 years ago
#8
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